Henriques & Henriques Finest Medium Rich 5 Year Old Madeira

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BACKGROUND Our shipment of Henriques and Henriques Madeira has arrived. We have only shipped the relatively young wines which are 5 years old. They are an excellent introduction to the style. Madeira is produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Henriques and Henriques is the largest independent shipper on the island. The company is focused on the premium end of the Madeira market and enjoys a 15% market share. The company takes its name from the two sons of Joao Joaquim Henriques, a descendent of the first King of Portugal.

LAND HOLDINGS Vineyard holdings on the island are small, with 4000 growers owning an average 0.5ha each - which by local standards is extensive. Henriques and Henriques also have their own vineyards, 6 hectares at Camara de Lobos (located on the south coast). The company also has 10 hectares at Quista Grande.

SOIL TYPES The soils of Madeira are basically volcanic, however, the best soils are a stony decomposed red tufa which is known locally as SAIBRO. The vineyards are planted on very steep terraced slopes.

GRAPE VARIETIES The grape varieties are unusual for Australians and include TINTA NEGRA MOLE, TERRANTEL BASTARDO, and either SERCIAL, VERDELHO BUAL or MALVASIA.

VINIFICATION The vintage on the Island of Madeira is said to be the longest in the world, starting in mid August with the Malvasia grapes being picked on the lower slopes and slowly progressing through the other grape varieties of BUAL, VERDELHO and SERCIAL. Vintage in the highest vineyards is completed in early November. The fermentation takes place in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks. Malvasia and Bual are fermented with limited skin contact, whilst for Verdelho and Sercial, only the pressed juice is used. Fortification takes place with the addition of grape brandy, the amount used and the timing of the fortification depends on the style of Madeira that is being produced. The majority of young Madeira undergo the "EUSTUFAGEM". This process consists of storing the wine for 3 months in hot conditions with temperatures 45°C. The effect is to mimic the long sea voyages that were a part of the traditional aging process. The best wines are left to age 10 years and more in warm cellars which creates that unique "Maderised" fruit quality.

TASTING NOTE: Opaque onion brown colour with olive green hue. The nose is pronounced, with strong rancio character followed by notes of walnut and hazelnut. Fine spirit end note. The palate reveals very intense flavours of caramel, toffee and orange rind, followed by a very spicy back palate. Fine spirit, perfectly balanced. Medium dry, with long aftertaste of nut, orange, spice, orange rind and rancio. Drink (2005) Alc/Vol: 19.0%

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